ROGER BANK

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Strength and a Stroll – Documenting Army’s 250th Birthday

Roger Bank commissioned me to document the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday celebration in Washington, D.C. I wanted to capture both the grit and the spirit of our modern-day service members as well as to honor the generations who came before us.

The day began with Soldiers grinding through a fitness challenge on the National Mall: ropes, sandbags, deadlifts, and burpees, all under the scorching sun while soaking in the swampy Washington humidity.

Four soldiers in military uniforms participating in a fitness challenge, preparing to lift a barbell against a cloudy sky with the Washington Monument in the background.
A female soldier in a military-themed shirt prepares for a fitness challenge at the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday celebration, with onlookers in the background.
Close-up view of soldiers in historical uniforms marching in a parade, showcasing their boots and military attire, on a street with white lane markings.

Watching the teams race one another, working through challenges as units and individuals, reminded me what bonds military members together: we do it for each other. Teamwork, resilience, and determination unite us.

In the afternoon, the energy shifted to something ceremonial. The military parade marched down Constitution Avenue, showcasing nearly every combat uniform worn since the Revolutionary War. I served 21 years—more than half my life—in the Army and wore three different camouflage patterns in my time. Yet my years and my outfits were just a tiny fraction of our military’s history defending our nation.

A soldier in historical Revolutionary War uniform, with a distinct hat, stands in profile during a parade near the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. The atmosphere reflects a ceremonial celebration.
A group of soldiers in vintage military uniforms marches down the street in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument visible in the background.
A military parade featuring Soldiers in camouflage uniforms and berets marching down a street, with flags and spectators in the background, during the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday celebration.
Silhouette of a military helicopter with the U.S. Capitol dome visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Although I’ve been out of uniform for over a year, this assignment brought me right back into a world I know well. I marched alongside Soldiers with my camera gear slung over my shoulders, completely sore and feet destroyed by the end (I walked over 15 miles that day). It felt like a reunion, especially being able to capture little moments that portray our Soldiers not just as tough warfighters, but as humans.

I’m thankful to Roger Bank for trusting me to deliver this assignment for them. They are a digital-first institution backed by a legacy bank that predates World War I. Their vision was clear: speak to the modern Soldier while paying tribute to the veterans who came before. That’s the kind of assignment I love — visual storytelling with a deeper purpose.

A group of soldiers participating in a fitness challenge, lifting a heavy bag in front of the U.S. Capitol building, symbolizing strength and teamwork during the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday celebration.
A soldier ascends a rope during a fitness challenge on the National Mall, with the Washington Monument visible in the background.
Two soldiers engage in a fitness challenge, lifting a heavy training object during the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday celebration in Washington, D.C.
Close-up of a sweating soldier's face, highlighting droplets of sweat on his skin during a fitness challenge.
Close-up of a soldier wearing a dark blue uniform and a hat adorned with a brass horn insignia, looking down while holding a rod.
Soldiers in military uniforms relax on the grass, using their phones while lying back during the Army's 250th Birthday celebration in Washington, D.C.
A military parade featuring soldiers in ceremonial uniforms and marching bands, celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.
Soldiers in military uniforms capture the U.S. Army parade with their phones, with a ceremonial display of troops in historical uniforms marching in the foreground.
A group of musicians in red coats and tricorn hats playing flutes while marching in a parade for the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C.
A soldier in historical uniform prepares a wagon during a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday in Washington, D.C.

Soldiers and members of the public celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025. The festivities included vehicle and equipment displays on the National Mall, a fitness competition, concerts, a ceremonial cake-cutting, a meet-and-greet with Army influencers, and a military parade showcasing uniforms and warfighting vehicles from every major conflict since the Revolutionary War. The day concluded with a fireworks display above the nation’s capital. Approximately 6,600 Soldiers participated in the commemorative events, which were free and open to the public. (C) Copyright Michel Sauret, 2025.